Aniefiok Christopher
President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning over the Ondo military aircraft crash, calling for a probe into the incident.
Tinubu also directed that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.
In a statement on Monday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu “extends his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.”
The passenger aircraft with 32 persons was said to be on a “routine mission” from Benin City in southern Nigeria to the economic hub of Lagos when it went down at Igbokoda in Ondo State shortly after 9:00 am (0800 GMT), the President and the Air Force said.
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“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident. I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” the president said.
The Air Force will release the identities of the victims after notifying their families, the presidency said.
Keyamo Announces Military Plane Crash
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo said earlier on X that the plane crashed near a naval base.
Keyamo described the crash as an ATR-42 — a twin-engine turboprop that the manufacturers say can carry between 30 and 50 passengers.
A video circulating on social media showed a small crowd gathered near a river while rescuers searched the area by boat. Tinubu said he had “directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.”
Igbokoda is located in Ilaje, an oil-producing region in southern Nigeria.
Minister Orders Probe into Military Aircraft Crash
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has ordered an investigation into the fatal military aircraft crash that claimed the lives of several “brave officers and airmen.”
“A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate crash has been ordered to ascertain the cause and ensure all necessary operational safety protocols are reinforced across our military aviation units,” Musa said in a statement issued on Monday.
Describing the incident as one that came with a “profound sense of grief and heavy heart”, the defence minister said, “The loss of these valiant patriots is an irreparable blow not only to the military high command and their comrades-in-arms, but to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“These fine officers and men exemplify the highest standards of military professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the defence of our Fatherland.”
He extended “our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and most especially, the immediate families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes. We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour.”
“Our hearts also go out to the families of the civilians on board the ill-fated aircraft; we share your grief,” the minister said.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal repose and gives their families, the military community, and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
